Three years ago, families in southern Israel woke up on a holiday morning to sirens and gunfire. By nightfall, Hamas terrorists had murdered nearly 1,200 people and dragged 251 hostages into Gaza. It was the deadliest day for the Jewish community since the Holocaust. The pictures of that day still haunt me the same way they haunt so many in our community. For many families here in South Florida, October 7 doesn’t feel like three years ago. It feels like yesterday. As a proud Jewish American and the grandson of Holocaust survivors, I know remembrance is not enough. It takes the courage to confront antisemitism on the far right and the far left, and to call out anyone who tries to excuse terrorism. No one should be afraid to walk into a synagogue or send their kids to school because they are Jewish. I will keep standing with our Jewish neighbors, today and every day.

I want to wish a happy World Teachers Day to the incredible educators we have across South Florida. Our teachers work morning to night to mentor the next generation, and they often do it without enough resources or credit. To every teacher and school staff member: thank you. You have the most important job in the world, and you deserve a lot more than one day of recognition.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In the U.S., 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men have experienced physical violence, sexual violence, or stalking by a partner, and many never come forward because they're ashamed or afraid they won't be believed. If you or someone you love is struggling, you are not alone. Call the National DV Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. It's free and confidential, and it's open 24/7. You deserve to be safe, and help is here.

Chag Sameach to everyone celebrating Sukkot, which begins tonight at sundown. This week families across South Florida will gather in the sukkah to share meals and give thanks for the harvest. Wishing our community a joyful and meaningful holiday.

Yom Kippur begins at sundown tonight. It’s the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, a time for reflection, atonement, and renewal. To everyone in South Florida and across the country observing: g’mar chatimah tova. May you be sealed for a good year, and may your fast be meaningful and easy.

More than 80,000 Americans are still out there, in jungles and on ocean floors and in fields half a world away. Every day that they are not here, our nation grieves. On this National POW/MIA Recognition Day, we’re thinking about them. To the families still waiting and to our neighbors still out there: we will not rest until you are home.

For thirty years, Take Stock in Children has helped Florida kids break the cycle of poverty through education. It was a privilege to meet with their team this week to brainstorm ways to expand their incredible work to students in every corner of our state. There’s no better investment than Florida’s next generation. When we invest in her kids, our whole state moves forward.

Robert Diaz is a Senior Director at Broward College, leading initiatives focused on STEM education and expanding opportunities for Hispanic and underrepresented students. Through his leadership of Project ACCESS, he's strengthened pathways into science, technology, engineering, and math for the next generation.

Dr. Carlos Casas Reyes is a neurosurgeon with more than 25 years of experience caring for patients in the Fort Lauderdale area. In practice since 2001, he continues to serve our community through Broward Health.

A proud Latina of Puerto Rican and Dominican heritage, Michelle Caba brings 25+ years across Wall Street, entrepreneurship, and public service to her role as Director of Economic Development for Deerfield Beach. Named Economic Development Director of the Year in 2026, she's passionate about expanding opportunity across our community.